Senior Design Manager

Description

• Develop and update LAUSD standards, educational specifications, school design guide, and space program templates.
• Support leadership in prioritizing capital projects through data‑driven analysis and present recommendations.
• Collaborate with instructional staff, school sites, and architects to define facility attributes that enhance instructional programs.
• Coordinate furniture and interior solutions with the Furniture and Interiors Group to meet educational needs.
• Conduct post‑occupancy assessments and recommend improvements to District standards.
• Review and guide project space programs to align with District education specifications and instructional requirements.
• Evaluate design deliverables for appropriate space planning and physical adjacencies.
• Ensure compliance with California Department of Education requirements and manage plan approvals.
• Lead design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects, interfacing with the Division of State Architects.
• Manage the District’s design process to meet functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal criteria.
• Establish and execute a selection process for architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards.
• Provide clear direction to architects regarding goals, standards, site, schedule, and budget.
• Document all project steps to satisfy legal requirements and review design changes for budget compliance.
• Recommend architectural firm assignments from a pre‑qualified list.
• Develop and deliver continuing‑education seminars and workshops for architects and contractors.
• Coordinate project activities with other District departments such as Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance, and Asbestos Technical Unit.

Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Design Manager to join our Los Angeles, CA office. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban planning, or a related field (a master’s is preferred) and possess a valid California Architect registration or Professional Engineer license. Continuing education specific to educational facilities planning is advantageous.

Applicants must have at least fifteen years of full‑time professional experience managing facility design and capital project coordination, including five years focused on K‑12 educational facilities. Experience should cover design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling, as well as the ability to lead complex design processes within budget, environmental, and legal constraints.

Benefits

Every day at CMTS, we undertake impactful infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and communities. With 40 years of industry experience, we provide a strong foundation for ongoing success. Our culture emphasizes learning, personal development, well‑being, work‑life balance, ethical business practices, and community engagement through employee‑driven initiatives.

The position offers a salary of $206,000‑$218,000 annually, with potential performance‑based bonuses. CMTS provides 100 % company‑paid medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life and long‑term disability insurance. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair treatment in all employment practices.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance